Metropolitan Ierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agios Vlasios, the first hierarch in Greece who was vaccinated against the COVID-19, spoke to MEGA.
“I was not chosen at random. I deal with these issues, I have written a book and I have taught at foreign universities on the subject of molecular biology and genetics. In the first wave of the pandemic in April, I was appointed as the only representative to address this issue. I read all the scientific papers and I came to the conclusion that this vaccine is an attempt for redemption and liberation from this pandemic storm. Since the Archbishop could not be vaccinated, he told me if I wanted to be vaccinated in his turn. So I was the first to be vaccinated,” explained the Metropolitan of Nafpaktos.
“There may be some side effects, as has been the case with all vaccines. I had no side effects. I was vaccinated in Athens and had no symptom afterwards. Until today, I had no side effects. Even if I had, there are side effects in all medicines,” he continued.
“I have read as an amateur, I am not a doctor. I do not have a clear knowledge of what will happen in the hierarchy with vaccination. But I believe that in whatever happens in the society will happen in the Church, too. Many journalists phoned me. Many clergymen from abroad and the faithful called me to tell them about my experience with vaccination. I must be the first hierarch in Europe to be vaccinated. I tell them not to be afraid to be vaccinated,” said Metropolitan Ierotheos.
“May all people get rid of the fears and superstitions that refer to the Middle Ages. These vaccines have been tested since the 1990s. I was excited when the vaccines first appeared and one hundred thousand volunteers were eager to be vaccinated in the USA,” concluded Metropolitan Ierotheos.
